Mark Ryan Kongslie

Mark Ryan Kongslie, age 62 of Oxford passed away unexpectedly Friday, June 6, 2025, at his home. Mark was born on April 20, 1963, in Minneapolis, Minnesota and adopted by Dale and Shirley Kongslie. Mark had a wonderful childhood and explored many cities and towns as his family moved during his youth. Mark graduated from Turtle Lake-Mercer High School in Turtle Lake, ND. He then attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, ND where he studied autobody. Mark then found his calling and graduated from the Diesel Truck Driving Training School in Sun Prairie, WI. He married Christa Gahlman and together they had three children and later divorced. Mark found love again and was united in marriage to Kimmie (McFerren) Slavens at their home on June 29, 2013. They have enjoyed many happy years together.

Mark was employed as a truck driver for many years. He retired from driving in 2021 from UPS Freight in Madison. He was a train aficionado and enjoyed planes and classic cars. He was very proud of the ghost hunting group that he created, East Oxford Paranormal Society, and what they accomplished.

Mark is survived by his wife, Kimmie and two children: Kylie (Luke Salzwedel) Kongslie and Ryan (Breyanna Bjerke) Kongslie along with three grandchildren: Scarlett, Harvey and Natalie (due in September). He is also survived by his stepson, Todd Slavens, two sisters: Amy (Michelle) Kongslie and Teresa (Douglas) Beaver and other extended family members. Mark is preceded in death by his parents, Dale and Shirley Kongslie and daughter, Kendra Kongslie.

Mark loved his parents and family very much. Yet as an adoptee, he remained curious about his biological family. Mark’s parents shared his adoption information with him and in 2019, Mark was reunited with his biological family in Iowa. After reuniting, Mark said he had completed his circle and was grateful and beyond happy that he had the opportunity to be welcomed into this family. He now knew the family he grew up with as well as his birth family. He is further survived by his biological mother, Janet Jo Allbee and biological siblings: Nikki Booker and Shawn Booker. Mark is preceded in death by his biological sisters: Wendy and Jeri.

Mark loved life and spending time with family and friends. He was a character and loved goofing around. He had a heart of gold and was kind beyond words. He was truly loved by all…

A get-together will be held at Mark & Kimmie’s home in Oxford to celebrate the life and times of our beloved Mark. Friends and family are invited to attend. It will be held on Saturday, August 30 starting at 11am. Please see Mark’s Facebook page for additional information or call Kimmie at 608.393.7556. In lieu of flowers, a collection is being gathered to help with final expenses.

Crawford Funeral and Cremation Service of Oxford and Montello is honored to be serving the family. www.CrawfordFH.com